MOT Testing Industry Guide and Services

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The following is a complete list of the checks your vehicle will undergo during its MOT Test. While this list groups the checks under each component, the Tester will carry out the checks in a specific sequence designed to save time, Testing all under-vehicle items or under-bonnet items at the same time for example.

MOT Test Check List - Bear in mind that a Tester may not fail an item if it is within the limits set by DVSA – if it is dangerously close to failing but still within limits the Tester must still pass it, but may give the vehicle an 'Advisory' notice. You are urged to take urgent notice and act on any Advisory items you may find on your certificate, for your own and other road users' safety.

The Tester may also not dismantle any parts – he therefore can not check wheel nuts for example, if the hub caps are still in place. (Remove your hub caps before the Test if you want them to be inspected as part of the Test. However, they will be inspected visually only, ie for presence, but not for security or tightness).

*New items added in 2012 are highlighted yellow or organge. Some of these items, highlighted yellow, have been incorporated into the MOT Test since 1st January 2012, and while the others (which are highlighted orange) were originally scheduled to be incorporated by May 2012, this was delayed until 20th March 2013.

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MOT Testing Check List

MOT Test of the Instrument Panel

Note: Some items listed under this heading are repeated here for convenience, as they are warnings or function indicators of systems which are more fully described under their own headings.

Speedometer

For vehicles first used on or after 01 October 1937

The glass being cracked is not a reason for failure providing there is no possibility of misreading the speedometer, no possibility of the indicator needle being fouled or the cracked glass being a safety hazard.

Will be checked for:

Presence

Condition

Can be illuminated

Steering – Warning Indicators

An electronic steering lock malfunction lock warning must not be indicating a malfunction

An electronic power steering malfunction indicator lamp must not be indicating a malfunction

Lights – function indicator

'tell-tale' device does not iluminate when main beam is selected

Supplementary Restraint Systems – Warning Indicator

SRS Malfunction Indicator Lamp:

Inoperative

Indicating malfunction

Brakes – Warning indicators

Electronic parking Brake (EPB) warning device must not be indicating a malfunction

ESC warning lamp must be present, working and not indicating a fault

ESC Switch must not be insecure or faulty

A brake fluid warnimg lamp must not be inoperative or illuminated

Class (v): Electronic braking system (EBS) warning device must not be inoperative or indicating a fault

ABS and ESC components and associated wiring/switch checked for presence and condition

A tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning lamp must be operative and not indicating a fault in the system

MOT Test of Registration Plates and VIN*

* Required on all vehicles first used on or after 1st August 1980.NOTE: Revised Registration Plate Testing and Tow Bar Testing (see below) were effective from April 09.see current Number Plate Regulationss table below.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

VIN number incomplete

Registration Plate

For registered vehicles the registration plate must be:

Present

Secure

Not faded, dirty or obscured

Letters and digits must conform to the approved font design with correct spacing

Front plates must be black digits on white background, rear must be black on yellow

Honeycomb background is not allowed.

Vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1973 may have registration plates displaying white, grey or silver characters on a black background. A three-wheeled vehicle, which has a motorcycle derived front end, does not require a front number plate.

Vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1973 may have registration plates displaying white, grey or silver characters on a black background. Three-dimensional characters are permitted to use grey edging in order to achieve the 3D effect on any age of vehicle. Quadricycles must be fitted with a front number plate.

MOT Test of Tow Bar (Towing Hook)

Excessive corrosion within 30cms of the towbar mounting is also a fail.

Towbar assembly is attached to the vehicle structure using a mounting, support or fixing which is obviously of an inappropriate size or type.

Retaining device missing or insecure

Locking device missing, insecure, inadequate or damaged to the extent that its operation is impaired.

Excessive play between a detachable tow ball and its receiver socket

A quick release mechanism that does not secure the tow ball arm as intended

A towbar assembly inappropriately repaired or modified

A trailer electrical socket insecure or damaged, or deteriorated to the extent that the connecting lead could not be securely connected

A trailer 13-pin Euro socket not operating the trailer lamps as intended

Wiring showing exposed conductors

2012 Notes: 1. Does not include emergency towing eyes. If a tow ball or pin is not fitted at the time of Test e.g. because it is detachable, has been unbolted or otherwise removed, but the attachment brackets are still in place these brackets and any trailer electrical socket should still be assessed unless the attachment brackets have been deliberately rendered unfit for further use.

2. 13-pin electric socket inspection and test for electrical function (specialist tool will be used) and check for inappropriate towbar repairs/modification will come into force when the appropriate legislation has been passed.

3. 7-pin sockets are not testable with an electrical tester as there is no standard wiring protocol.

MOT Test of Steering

Steering: Inside the car MOT checks

Steering wheel and steering column:

Steering wheel is in acceptable condition

Steering wheel is securely attached to the steering shaft

A steering lock mechanism must not be missing, inadvertently engaging or inoperative

An electronic steering lock malfunction lock warning must not be indicating a malfunction

An electronic power steering malfunction indicator lamp must not be indicating a malfunction

Upper bearings of the steering column are inspected for wear

Steering shaft is checked for excessive end float

The clamping bolts are all checked for security

Split pins and locking nuts are also checked.

'Free play' in the steering is checked*

All flexible couplings and universal joints are checked

*Free play allowed depends on type of steering: 75mm for non-rack and pinion, 13mm for rack and pinion steering. Where there are several joints between the steering wheel and the rack, up to 48mm on a 380mm diameter wheel may be accepted.

Further information – reasons for failure:

1. Steering wheel weakened by modification, cracks, fractures, in a condition that hampers proper control or likely to injure the driver's hands.Note: Cracks or incompleteness of the covering skin of a steering wheel or hub, are not a reason for rejection.2. a) an adjustable steering column will not lock in a fixed positionb) movement between the shaft and steering wheelc) excessive radial movement (play) at the top of the steering column between the column and the shaft indicating a badly worn top bearing.Note: Some vehicles have flexible top bearings for the steering column. With these more than average movement is acceptable.d. insecurity at the steering column top mounting bracket.3. Excessive steering shaft end float.4. Insecurity, excessive play or deterioration of a flexible coupling or universal joint.5. A retaining or locking device missing or insecure.

Under bonnet checks

This varies vehicle to vehicle; some of these items cannot be observed from under the bonnet on some makes and models.

Security of the steering rack or steering box and its mountings

Play in steering joints

Inspection of any other swivel joints which form part of the vehicles' steering system which can be readily inspected from under the bonnet.

Under vehicle checks:

All the steering joints are inspected by the Tester whilst the steering is loaded by turning the steering wheel from side to side, or by the use of approved wheel play detectors

Power steering systems are checked with the engine running (Power steering fluid level will be checked with engine off)

The security of attachment of the steering rack or steering box is checked both with respect to the tightness of nuts and bolts, and structural cracking or corrosion of the vehicle chassis where it is attached

Whilst the vehicle stands on special swivel plates the wheels are turned from lock to lock and checked for smoothness of operation and to ensure that the wheels and tyres do not foul either the structure of the vehicle or any brake pipes or hoses

With the wheels jacked the wheel bearings are checkedSteering rack gaiters and front outer constant velocity joint boots are examinedBall joint dust covers inspected for not allowing ingress of dirt etcMetal and/or rubber bushes are checked as are split pins, locking nuts and other locking or retaining devices which relate to steering components.On some cars there will be rear wheel steering which is checked from beneath the car.Checked for inappropriate repair or modification to steering linkage or power steeringSteering lock stop must be present if fitted as standardNo significant oil leak from the steering boxPower steering: checked for fluid level below minimum (where visible) pipes and hoses damaged, corroded or fouling; components fouling or misaligned on external power steering systemsAny drive shaft (not including the prop shaft) support bearing excessively worn or a coupling gaiter missing or no longer preventing ingress of dirt etc.

MOT Test of Horn

Operation

Control can be easily reached by the driver

Loud enough

Not a sequential multi-tone.

Further Information

Pre 1906 vehicles can have a gong, bell or siren audible warning, provided they were designed before 1 January 1905 and constructed before 31 December 1905.

Reason for Rejection

The horn control missing, insecure or not readily accessible to the driver.

Note: Inform the driver if the horn is insecure.

Or the horn is

inoperative

is not loud enough to be heard by another road user

is a gong, bell or siren

has more than one tone

Note: When operated, a two or more tone horn automatically produces a sound which alternates at regular intervals between fixed notes

If fitted to a vehicle first used on or after 1 August 1973, emits a sound which is

Not continuous or uniform

Harsh or grating

MOT Test of Lights

The headlamps are checked for alignment with a Beam Setter. The headlamp beam image will be a fail if it is clearly incorrect. After first aligning the equipment with the vehicle, the left and right headlamp beams are checked to ensure they are correctly set so as not to dazzle other road users.

All required lights are checked for:

Operation

Condition

Security

With the exception of headlamps, all lamps must have at least 50% of the light source illuminating.All lamps must be visible from a reasonable distance (not obscured by products on the light lens or source.

Side lights and headlamps

are the correct type and colour

dip and aim

LED and HiD headlamps: automatic levelling or cleaning device inoperative or obviously defective

'tell-tale' device does not iluminate when main beam is selected

Stop lights, indicators and hazard lights*

are the correct type and colour

do not interfere with each other in operation

driver's tell-tale works with respect to indicators, or there is an audible warning system

hazard lights fitted and operative

Rear Fog lamps**

must be fitted to the centre or offside of the vehicle

tell-tale must work

must not be affected by other lamps and not be obscured

must be red.

Registration Plate lamps (Class (v): incl. end outline marker lamps)

All lamps fitted must be working

must illuminate with a single operation of the switch

Rear reflectors

There must be two red reflectors fitted reasonably symmetrically, securely attached and not obscured.

* Must be fitted to all vehicles first used on or after 1st April 1986, but if fitted, must be Tested.** Must be fitted to all vehicles first used on or after 1st April 1980.

UK MOT Testing Manuals Online

If you want to become a Tester or to set up a Testing Station, what you need to do will be found in the Guide. It will also tell you how you will be expected to run the Testing Station and as a Tester what will happen if you do not carry out an MOT Test correctly – a disciplinary code.